The English Civil Wars

The Wars were sparked by issues affecting the entire country. Religion, the army, and events in Scotland and Ireland all played a role. At their heart, though, was a struggle about how England should be governed - whether the King should rule absolutely (subject only to God) or constitutionally (bound by Parliament and the law).

In the First Civil War (1642 to 1646) the East and South-East declared for Parliament; the West, North and Wales declared for the King. It culminated with the Battle of Naseby in 1645, and the King's surrender a year later.

The Second Civil War (1648 to 1649) was a set of uprisings by the ing's supporters, which led to his trial for treason, and his beheading at Whitehall on 30 January 1649.

The Third Civil War (1650 to 1651) was a failed attempt by Charles I's son, the future Charles II, to seize the throne.

After the King's execution, Oliver Cromwell, then his son Richard, governed England. His republic, or 'Commonwealth', lasted until the  'restoration' of Charles II in 1660.